Everton could still make transfer moves ahead of deadline day.placeholder image
Everton could still make transfer moves ahead of deadline day. | Getty Images
Everton may look to do some late January business as deadline day edges closer - but who might they sign?
Everton have been one of the less active clubs this January and the Toffees may look to do late business ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday. David Moyes’ side will feel that they are in with an outside shout of qualifying for Europe this term after an improved campaign under the Scotsman, though there is still room for improvement as they grow accustomed to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees released a plethora of senior players over the summer and despite a substantial number of arrivals, the Merseyside outfit still have one of the lighter squads in comparison with their direct competitors higher up the league table.
There is still time for Moyes and the club hierarchy to make additions before the window comes to a close, amidst a host of transfer rumours linking the club with top players across Europe – and we had a look at two players who could yet arrive through the doors before the February 2 deadline.
Right-back a key position to strengthen for Everton
Right-back has reportedly been earmarked as a position to improve for Everton this month, with Moyes believed still to be searching for a long-term solution in the position. Jake O’Brien has often been used there while Nathan Patterson recently returned to the fold after previously being a peripheral figure under his fellow Scotsman.
The Toffees have been linked with England Under-21 international Brooke Norton-Cuffy this month alongside the likes of Newcastle United, with the former Arsenal youth product currently plying his trade at Genoa and reportedly available for a £20m fee.
Alternatively, Everton are believed to be keen on Bologna and Sweden right-back Emil Holm. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Toffees by multiple reports in Italy, amidst the belief that swap deals involving the likes of Patterson and Beto have been floated in order to secure a deal for Holm, who has registered one goal and four assists in eight Serie A starts this term.
While reports of an impending offer by the Toffees have yet to be corroborated by major news sources, interest is reported to be genuine and the need for another option at right-back is definitely there. It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will look to secure a move for either of Holm or Norton-Cuffy before the transfer window closes.
Brazil Under-20 winger becomes Toffees target amidst ‘advanced negotiations’
In addition, Everton are reported to be in advanced negotiations with 20-year-old Al-Nassr winger Wesley ahead of securing a move this month.
That’s according to ESPN Brazil, who claim that the Brazil Under-20 international “flirted” with Corinthians in his home country but is instead expected to move to the Premier League and join up with the Toffees. The Merseyside outfit are said to be in “pole position” and reporting states that a move could go ahead this month.
Wesley – who has previously been compared with Kylian Mbappé due to his “explosive pace” off the left wing – left Corinthians to sign for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League for £18m in 2024 and after 18 months playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Everton is now believed to be his next destination amidst previous interest from Portuguese giants Benfica.
The forward has registered four goals and two assists in 18 appearances this season and would offer another youthful option to the Toffees’ attack, particularly amidst a long-term injury suffered by loan star Jack Grealish. The 30-year-old may be out of action for up to three months and makes another winger a useful addition.
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